Victim families hail SC order
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, January 12 2013 : Welcoming the Supreme Court order for probe to six cases of extrajudicial killings in Manipur by an independent panel, Extrajudicial Execution Victims' Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM) has expressed that such ruling of the apex court would help in delivering justice and ward off fake encounters in the state.

EEVFAM after joining hands with Human Rights Alert, Manipur (HRA) in October 2012 filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Supreme Court in connection with 1528 cases of extrajudicial killings that took place from 1979 to 2012 in Manipur.

In response to the PIL, the apex court has ordered an investigation by an independent panel into the six cases listed in the first compilation of the total 1528 cases, Renu Takhellambam, president, EEVFAM told a press conference at the Manipur Press Club here today.

The three-member independent panel appointed by Supreme Court consists of retired Judge of the apex court Santosh Hedge, former Chief Election Commissioner JM Lyngdoh and former Karnataka police Chief Ajay Kumar Singh.

The Supreme Court order also directed the panel to submit the investigation report before it on March 4, 2013 .

Seven victims named in the six cases of the alleged extrajudicial execution are Azad Khan of Mayang Imphal Phougakchao Makha Leikai, Elangbam Kiranjit of Thoubal Haokha Mamang Leikai, Nameirakpam Nobo from Bashikhong, Nameirakpam Govind, also from Bashikhong, Akoijam Priyobarta of Mongshangei, Chongtham Umakanta of Iroishemba and Khumbongmayum Oceanjit from Keishampat Jailer Leirak.

The Supreme Court has gladden the public and confided them that ..justice will be done in the alleged fake encounter killings, EEVFAM president Renu further said.

She said, "We believe the apex court order could rub out the heavy load of serious contravention of human rights in Manipur for a long time.

Such order is warmly welcomed by EEVFAM.

I appeal to the families of the victims to extend full cooperation in the probe seeking judgment in the killings.

Saying that EEVFAM does not work against the police, Government and any individual, the NGO works only for protecting human rights of the people so that they can live peacefully, Babaloo Loitongbam, director HRA asserted.

He also appealed to the people as well as all the concerned to render support in the investigation.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement by Amnesty International, which was provided to the media for publication by EEVFAM, has also welcomed the January 4 order of the Supreme Court to set up an independent panel to investigate six alleged extra judicial executions in the northeast state of Manipur and urged the Manipur authorities to fully support with the three-member panel.

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